photo: Michael Helman (Minda Haas Kuhlman photo)
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired a 28-year-old utilityman to fill their roster. Nolan Arenado trade rumors continue as spring camp is ready to open. Our history feature investigates prior St. Louis trades and free agent signings made during this week.
Cardinals acquire utility player from Twins
The Cardinals filled their last spot on the 40-man roster this past week by acquiring utilityman Michael Helman from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations.
The Twins needed a roster spot after signing former Cardinal center fielder Harrison Bader to a one-year deal, hence the trade of Helman to St. Louis.
Helman, 28, made his major league debut with the Twins last season on September 3. He appeared in nine games and went 3-for-10 with a single and two doubles. Primarily a center fielder, Helman can also play second base, shortstop, and third base.
The right-handed Helman slashed .271/.350/.487 with 14 home runs in Triple-A in 2024. He also stole 12 bases in 13 attempts.
Helman has all his minor league options remaining and will likely start the season with the Memphis Redbirds should he not make the Cardinals opening day roster.
News and Notes for the Offseason
In this space will be information on news and events of the offseason that do not require extensive coverage. Check back each week to learn what is happening.
- Cardinals broadcaster not returning for 2025 season – Jim Edmonds, who has been a part of the broadcasting crew for the Cardinals since 2013 and a color analyst in the booth since 2016, will not return for the 2025 season.
- Cardinals 2025 Spring Training tickets on sale now – The Cardinals have made 2025 Spring Training tickets available. Details at https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/tickets/spring-training
- Cardinals’ Season Tickets are now available – Fans can now purchase season tickets for the upcoming 2025 season. Details at https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/tickets/season-tickets. A telephone number a chat feature are available.
- Spring Breakout is back – The second annual Spring Breakout games will be held in March. This prospect showcase features top prospects from each team playing in spring training games.
Once again, Cardinals’ prospects will face Marlins prospects on March 14 at 12:10 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. The Cardinals team may include prospects such as Quinn Mathews, Tink Hence and JJ Wetherholt.
- Cardinals’ spring workout dates announced – The dates for spring training workouts to begin have been set. The first workout date for pitchers and catchers is February 12. Position players will begin their workouts on February 17.
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
The Nolan Arenado news is not really news. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported in a tweet that the Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox had “recent communications” about Arenado.
MLB.com’s John Denton reported that the team recently engaged with the Red Sox as well as the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers about a potential deal for the Cardinals third baseman.
What it means, if anything, remains to be seen.
Transactions
- 2/6 The Cardinals acquire CF Michael Helman from the Minnesota Twins for cash.
Injury Report
There are no new injuries to report.
Looking Ahead
Spring Training begins this week. Pitchers and catchers start workouts on Wednesday. Position players have their first workout on Monday, February 17.
The only offseason event remaining is looming arbitration hearings for three eligible players who did not come to terms with the team on their 2025 salary. They are Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, and Andre Pallante,
January 27 through February 14 is the period during which these hearings will take place.
Grapefruit League game play begins for the Cardinals on Saturday, February 22 against the Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. The 2025 Spring Training schedule can be found here.
Blast from the Past
Spring Training is around the corner. Pitchers and catchers report this week. Grapefruit League games begin on February 22.
As the offseason winds down and spring training begins, this week’s Blast from the Past continues with its look at past transactions. This week’s period is February 3 through February 9.
The following is a list of transactions made by the Cardinals during this period starting with date, the name or names of the players involved, the teams involved, and the nature of the transaction. Additional relevant details may be included.
February 3, 2024 – The Cardinals signed RHP Keynan Middleton to a one-year free agent contract with an option for 2025. Middleton went down with an injury in spring training and then had season ending surgery in June. Middleton never threw a pitch for the Cardinals in the regular season. The Cardinals declined their 2025 option on his services.
February 4, 2021 – The Cardinals traded OF Dexter Fowler to the Los Angeles Angels for a player to be named later or cash. Fowler had signed a five-year deal with the Cardinals in 2017. The 2021 trade was a salary dump for a contract that did not play out as expected. Fowler played in only seven games for the Angels before suffering a torn ACL in his knee. Fowler signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays in 2022 but was released in May. Fowler officially retired on January 31, 2023.
February 6, 2014 – The Cardinals signed RHP Pat Neshek to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Neshek made the opening day roster, then pitched well as a setup reliever and was selected to the All-Star Game. He did not pitch as well in the postseason, however. The Cardinals did not re-sign Neshek and he became a free agent after the season.
February 6, 1985 – The Cardinals traded LHP Mickey Mahler (minor leagues) to the Montreal Expos for a player to be named later. That player was Tom Lawless. Lawless played for the Cardinals through the 1988 season and is best known for his memorable go-ahead home run in Game 4 of the 1987 World Series. It was memorable not only because it was the go-ahead home run but because Lawless up to that point in his career (six major league seasons), had only hit two home runs.
February 9, 1988 – The Cardinals traded Ricky Horton to the Chicago White Sox for RHP José DeLeón. Though Horton is mostly known for his broadcasting career with the Cardinals, the left-handed pitcher played for the Cardinals in two stints, from 1984-87 and 1989-90. DeLeón pitched for St. Louis for five seasons and led the NL in strikeouts (201) in 1989.
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